View full sizeThe OregonianPerhaps you were one of many who bought a manzanita?

It's a wrap. The February garden shows are over for another year. Usually, by the end of three shows in three weeks, I'm exhausted, both physically and mentally. This time, not so much. If anything, I'm excited. And I think most of the people who attended any of the events are, too. You couldn't help but feel the energy. Attendance was up at all three shows. But the most extraordinary news is that the plant sales in the Green Market at the Yard, Garden & Patio Show were up -- get ready -- 45 percent. That is not a typo.

Did you buy plants at the Yard, Garden & Patio Show?I could make up reasons why that happened, but they'd all be guesses. Maybe people are sick of not spending money. Maybe consumer confidence really is getting better. Maybe the lack of sustained cold weather this winter has reassured gardeners. Maybe the nurseries had a selection of plants more irresistible than usual.

Whatever the reason, I plan to find out. At least find out what the nursery owners and other experts think. And what about you? Did you attend any of the shows? Did you buy plants? If so, did you spend more money than last year? Why?